I just booked a wonderful flight schedule open jaws into Milan and out of room. The only down side (besides how much airfare has increased the last few years!) is that our flight is out of Rome FCO at 6:30 a.m. which means we should be there by 4-4:30 a.m. uggh. I spent the night in the airport last year flying from London to Ireland because there was no safe/reliable transportation available that early. The night waiting there was torture. Any suggestions out there? it hardly seems worth it to find a room close to the airport if you can only get a few hours sleep.
In really big cities the cabs run around the clock. Or, arrange ahead with an airport shuttle service. This gives you the shortest, fast trip to airport.
Ask your hotel to arrange for a car or taxi to take you to the airport. The cost of the transport will balance out the money you will save over staying at an overpriced airport hotel. Plus, being able to spend your last night strolling the piazzas is priceless.
The Hilton at the Rome airport is a good place to stay if you have an early flight. It is ridiculously expensive but we have decided it's worth it.
We have stayed there 2 or 3 times. We turn in our rental car at the airport and check in. Then we take the Leonardo Express into Rome for supper/passigiata. Then the train back to the hotel. I have always gotten a good night's sleep there.
The next morning all you have to do is check out and walk to your gate.
I will look into several of these options, asking the hotel to arrange a car/taxi or staying at the airport even if it is expensive. I had a horrible experiene many years ago in Greece when I asked the hotel to arrange transport to the ferry terminal and they forgot my wake up call and didn't order the car and I missed my boat. thanks everyone, traveler's helpline is wonderful!
We too have a 6 am departure. We will be at the Rome Hilton. We got a fairly decent rate by paying ahead. Well worth the cost for the short commute to the airport at 3:45 am!